Earth Day 50th Anniversary

April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day celebrations around the world. Though we can’t celebrate in person on that date, there are still many ways we can mark the occasion, and many ways you can help protect the environment!

First you can take action at home to reduce your environmental footprint. Use the EPA’s Carbon Footprint Calculator to better understand your impact and what actions you can take to reduce. You can also reduce the pollution coming from your home by switching to green cleaners (see the EPA’s Safer Choice and Environmental Working Group lists for green product options), and reducing your plastic consumption. Local Green Business BYO Long Beach can help you replace plastic and disposable items with reusable natural materials for cleaning and personal care. The Long Beach Water Department also has some great "water hacks" to help you save water at home.

Long Beach Sustainability also has ways you can participate at home. Our Edible Garden and Native Plant workshops have gone digital and are being broadcast through Facebook and Instagram TV. Learn how to grow your own food at home or about the native habitat and ecosystems here in Long Beach. Find more Long Beach resources to help you celebrate Earth Week while safer at home on InsideLB.

Ready to make a commitment to reduce? Take the Earth Day EcoChallenge to track the actions you’re taking and their impact. You can join individually, or create a team of friends and family to see who can make the biggest impact and compete against other teams around the world. Challenge categories include building resilience, fresh water, wildlife, food, people, forests, oceans, and climate. Participants pledge to take action in the categories they are passionate about and then report on what they’ve accomplished to earn points and track impact.

Join the global conversation and movement for environmental action. The Earth Day Network has taken it’s movement online in the time of COVID-19. Share your actions on social media, organize a digital event, or help share other digital events in your community.

We hope you will also join us at the 2020 Earth Day Festival when it is rescheduled sometime in the fall. We will bring together City and community partners, music, performances, food from local Green Businesses, free workshops, activities for kids, and more. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @LBSustainability or check back on our website at www.longbeach.gov/earthday for updates on this event.